Porch Windows and Fall Protection
If your porch is more than 30" off the ground, building code dictates that some type of fall protection needs to be implemented. There are quite a few options available for this, below we show the most popular methods. Always consult your local building official as interpretations can vary by municipality.
Without Railings
For a porch that is less than 30" off the ground, you can have Sunspace Porch Windows from floor to ceiling without any type of guard rails or fall protection. The sliding panels can collapse down to the floor or be pushed up to the ceiling.
This style allows for 75% screen ventilation and the most open views.
Traditional Railing
Sunspace Porch Windows can be installed full height (floor to ceiling) to allow for 75% screen ventilation and use a traditional "picket" style of railing to provide for fall protection. The railing is most commonly installed inside of the windows but can be done on the outside as well. In this method, the window panels can drop down behind the railing, or be pushed up to the top.
Sunspace manufactures aluminum railings in colors to match the windows, and we can install them together on your porch project.
Glass Railing
Sunspace Porch Windows can be installed with a fixed panel of tempered glass in the bottom 36" to provide for fall protection. The tempered glass panels do not open and the sliding window panels do not drop down below the 36" height. This results in some loss of ventilation, but does give a great look and open feeling.
When the view into your backyard is important, this is the most popular method. The tempered glass panels are manufactured with the same aluminum frames as the operable windows and carry the same lifetime warranty.
